Are monks in general and double monks in particular appropriate with a suit?

[lasbar]

We debate quite a lot about monks and double monks without ever reaching a concensus...
Are monks by essence casual or can they be worn with a suit ?

This particular issue has always been in the back of my mind to the point of delaying the purchase of a pair of Jermyn II on special order...

I'm interested in your partisan views..

 

[voxsartoria]

Depends on the suit.

I think that they are fine for what I would call a casual suit...basically, anything with patch out pockets, or in a country pattern or material (real or faux tweed, flannel checks, etc.)

They can also work, in my opinion, if the monk is citified (like a Lobb Chapel) and paired with a suit worn casually (like a solid blue suit without a necktie for an evening out.)

How's that?


- B

 

[Slewfoot]

I think they can be either depending on the model. For example:

- JL Jermyn II I'd wear with a suit or nice trousers. Not jeans until well broken in.

- suede monks can be worn with a more casual suit, trousers or jeans.

- classic single strap monks like C&J Saville can be work with most anything.

- double straps can go either way depending on color. Black could be with suit, but most other colors seem ideal for trousers and jeans.

- monks with stictching or split toes like EG Ashby can be work with trousers or jeans, but not suits (unless something like a corduroy or tweed).

That's how I generally look at them. I'm a big fan of monks.

 

[JayJay]

I'd wear monks as nice as Lobb's Vale with a suit, but I'd wear their William II monks with more casual attire.

 

[lasbar]

I do agree with you guys...
I would wear the Jermyn II or the Vale with a nice navy suit with open collar.
Due to the nature of the design , I would wear the William with corduroy trousers or a pair of jeans...
I'm more split on the double monks models like the Chapel..They're quite sharp and city but I can't decide on which category they belong to...

What do you think of the Derwent model?

 

[cimabue]

No, and double no.

Monks require that special attention be paid to the length of the pant as well as the weight of the material.

Too demanding for a suit (and its usual goals) and thus a conflict of interest.

But with a tweed suit, maybe. I'd need to see proof, though.

 

[Mild Mannered]

Originally Posted by Slewfoot

- I'd wear with a suit or nice trousers. Not jeans until well broken in.
- suede monks can be worn with a more casual suit, trousers or jeans.
- classic single strap monks can be work with most anything.
- double straps can go either way depending on color. Black could be with suit, but most other colors seem ideal for trousers and jeans.
- monks with stictching or split toes can work with trousers or jeans, but not suits (unless something like a corduroy or tweed).

Agreed.

 

[lasbar]

What is the etiquette? Where is Manton when we do need him?

 

[Parker]

Originally Posted by lasbar

What is the etiquette? Where is Manton when we do need him?

I think very generally it's:
loafers, monks & derbys = sportcoats
oxfords = suits

But as mentioned, it kinda just depends on the degree of formality of the shoe or suit.

 

[kuwisdelu]

I think it depends more on the formality of the occasion rather than the formality of the suit itself. Are they an appropriate to wear with a suit for a conservative office or court or other such places? I don't think so. But a suit you're wearing for a night on the town? I don't see why not.

 

[Bird's One View]

Originally Posted by lasbar

What is the etiquette? Where is Manton when we do need him?
In California, wearing white bucks with his navy blue suit. fwiw, I have no problem with monk shoes with suits.

 

[incontro]

 

[mkarim]

Originally Posted by incontro

-Stongly agree! Well said!

Great signature, incontro!

 

[Firstladyofsong]

Personally love double monk but have to admit that it is trickier to match double monk with a suit than say Oxford.

 

[ndw]

I wear double monks pretty much daily with suits... Chapels and Lowndes go great with more formal suits and my Williams go better with a more casual suit.

IMO - I believe 99.9% of people do not really care or notice either way. I mean, the #1 shoe in my office is the ubiquitous black, square toe, rubber soul Kenneth Cole... I'd go with a pair of monks any time over that bologna